Actuating device and method for controlling the outlet thickness of a nozzle outlet gap

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (100) for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), comprising: - a plurality of adjusting units (10) for adjusting the outlet thickness (AD), wherein the adjusting units (10) act directly or indirectly on a nozzle lip (L1, L2), wherein the adjusting units (10) comprise at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular in the form of thermocouples, electric motors, piezo drives, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc. - a control device (20) which is configured to control the at least one or more drive elements (12) such that the adjustment units (10) assume and / or maintain predetermined positions, wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular mechanical operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements (12), electrical and / or thermal operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably an electric current and / or an electric voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2) that are characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements (12) on the nozzle lip (L1, L2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for monitoring, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, for example, comprising monitoring the gap profile of a die exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film to be produced. The extrusion plant can be, for example, a film extrusion plant, a laminating plant, a coating plant, a sheet extrusion plant, a blown film plant, or the like. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for monitoring, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant using a corresponding actuating device.Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding computer-readable data carrier with a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding control device for carrying out a corresponding method.

[0002] In flat film applications, as well as laminating, coating, and sheet production lines, adjusting devices with multiple adjustment units or elements are used along a die exit gap during film manufacturing. This allows for setting a desired gap profile and subsequently achieving a desired film thickness profile. The die exit gap has a first and a second die lip that form the exit gap. A plurality of adjusting elements, each with corresponding drive elements, are arranged on the first die lip. These drive elements position or adjust the adjusting elements on the first die lip, causing it to deform at the corresponding point, for example, becoming narrower or wider.

[0003] The drive elements can be controlled by a control device in such a way that, by positioning actuating elements on the first nozzle lip, an adjustment of the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap (and thus the exit thickness of the flowing melt, which becomes a film after exiting the nozzle exit gap) can be achieved by means of a mechanical force applied by the respective actuating element to the first nozzle lip.

[0004] By adjusting the actuators on the first nozzle lip, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap is adapted. This adjustment of the nozzle exit gap profile, in turn, adjusts the exit thickness of the flowing melt and thus the thickness profile of the produced film after exiting the nozzle exit gap.

[0005] The thickness profile of the film is essential for subsequent processes, such as winding film webs for storage or further processing of the film.

[0006] Profile control of the film often employs drive elements in the form of thermocouples, which include expansion bolts that expand or contract via thermal mechanisms. Profile control is used in plastics processing to control and / or adjust the profile of cast, laminated, and coated films during the manufacturing process.

[0007] The potential of profile control with drive elements, e.g. in the form of thermocouples, has not been fully exploited.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved positioning device for monitoring, in particular: control and / or regulation, of the production of an extrusion plant, e.g., including monitoring of a gap profile of a die exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film. Preferably, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved positioning device that enables improved monitoring, in particular control and / or regulation, that delivers fast and precise results, and that allows optimal positioning or adjustment of positioning elements on a die lip, for example, to...The invention aims to set a desired gap profile of the die exit gap and / or a desired profile of the die lip, and / or to set a desired profile for operating parameters at the die exit gap, and / or to achieve a desired film thickness profile. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, using a corresponding adjusting device. It is also an object of the invention to provide a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding computer-readable data carrier containing a corresponding computer program product, as well as a corresponding control device for carrying out this method.

[0009] The foregoing problem is solved by an adjusting device with the features of the independent device claim, as well as by a corresponding method, a corresponding computer program product, and a corresponding data carrier with the features of the dependent claims. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with different embodiments and / or aspects of the invention naturally also apply in connection with other embodiments and / or aspects of the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual embodiments and / or aspects of the invention always includes, or can include, reciprocal references.

[0010] The invention provides for: an actuator for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, a production of an extrusion plant.

[0011] The inspection can include, for example: an inspection of a gap profile of a nozzle exit gap and / or a profile for operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap of the extrusion plant and / or a thickness profile of a film to be produced.

[0012] The extrusion plant could, for example, be a film extrusion plant.

[0013] The nozzle exit gap can be formed, for example, by a first and a second nozzle lip.

[0014] The adjusting device includes: - a variety of adjustment units (adjustment units can also be referred to as actuating elements; the adjustment units can be assigned specific positioning positions at the nozzle outlet gap.) for adjusting the outlet thickness, wherein the adjusting units act directly or indirectly (e.g. via corresponding adjusting bolts and / or levers and / or translation mechanisms) on one, e.g. the first, nozzle lip, wherein at least one drive element (e.g. common to all adjustment units) is assigned to the adjustment units or wherein the adjustment units have several (e.g. individual) drive elements, where, in particular, several (e.g., individual) drive elements can be designed in the form of electric motors, piezo drives, thermocouples, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc. wherein preferably a (e.g. common) drive element can be designed in the form of a screw device, wherein in particular the screw device can move the adjusting units individually in order to adjust corresponding adjusting bolts / screw bolts of the adjusting units.

[0015] In one possible example, all adjustment units can be assigned a (shared) drive element, for example, in the form of a screw mechanism. This drive element can actuate the adjustment units individually to adjust, for example, corresponding adjusting bolts / screws of the adjustment units. The (single) drive element can be used for starting or changing production, in particular for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. The (single) drive element can also be used during ongoing production, in particular for controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. In this case, the (single) drive element can be used both for starting or changing production and for (fine) adjustment during ongoing production.

[0016] In another possible example, all adjustment units can be assigned a single (e.g., common) drive element, such as a screw mechanism. This drive element can actuate the adjustment units individually to adjust, for example, corresponding adjusting bolts / screws. This single drive element can be used at the start of production, particularly for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units, especially their adjusting bolts / screws. Simultaneously, the adjustment units can have multiple (e.g., individual) drive elements, such as electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, thermocouples, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. These multiple (individual) drive elements can be used during ongoing production, particularly for controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units.

[0017] In another possible example, the adjustment units can have several (e.g., individual) drive elements, such as electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, thermocouples, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. These multiple (individual) drive elements can be used at the start of production, particularly for controlled presetting or basic adjustment of the adjustment units. The same multiple (individual) drive elements can also be used during ongoing production, especially for controlled (fine) adjustment of the adjustment units. In this case, the same multiple (individual) drive elements can be used both for starting / changing production and for (fine) adjustment during ongoing production.

[0018] The start / change of production as well as (fine-tuning) during ongoing production can be carried out in an automated manner.

[0019] The adjusting device includes: - a control device designed to control the at least one or more drive elements in such a way that the adjusting units (directly or indirectly, e.g. via corresponding adjusting bolts or levers of the adjusting units) assume and / or hold predetermined positions in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a desired profile of the nozzle lip, a desired profile for operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film.

[0020] The control device is designed to - Operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, in particular mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably an electric current and / or an electric voltage and / or a temperature and / or - to monitor a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, etc.

[0021] In other words, the control device is designed to monitor parameters that may be characteristic of the action of at least one or more drive elements on the nozzle lip.

[0022] The control can advantageously be carried out using actuators, particularly in the form of thermocouples. Thermocouples can have corresponding expansion bolts, optionally with thermal insulation. Thermocouples or corresponding expansion bolts can expand or contract by thermal mechanisms.

[0023] The positioning device can be used in plastics processing to precisely control and adjust the thickness profile of cast, laminated, sheet and laminated films during the manufacturing process.

[0024] Actuators, particularly in the form of thermocouples, are key components of the actuator. They execute the instructions / control commands of the control device.

[0025] The control device can implement the control. It processes the data collected by sensors and makes decisions about how the at least one or more drive elements, in particular in the form of thermocouples, should be controlled in order to, for example, set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or achieve a desired thickness profile of a film.

[0026] Furthermore, the control device can function as an interface between sensors and drive elements. It can coordinate the flow of information, ensure real-time data processing, and control the at least one or more drive elements, particularly in the form of thermocouples, accordingly.

[0027] The idea is to expand the control process, in particular to include information about operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, especially mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably an electric current and / or an electric voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, a profile of the nozzle lip, etc. Such information can provide more comprehensive insights into the results of the control.

[0028] Monitoring allows for the direct or indirect measurement of a force applied to a corresponding component, such as the first nozzle lip (the so-called preload force). Furthermore, monitoring can also measure deformation or stress within the nozzle exit gap.

[0029] Measurements can be taken on both nozzle lips and / or at different positions, e.g. via a traversing sensor and / or via several sensors, e.g. one sensor for each drive element.

[0030] Possible sensors: ◯ Measurement of a preload force with an ultrasonic sensor (e.g. by means of a time-of-flight measurement), ◯ Measurement of the tension between the nozzle lip and a counter bearing / a bracket (for the adjustment units) using strain gauges (possibly with temperature compensation), ◯ Measurement of a voltage between nozzle lip and a counter bearing / a bracket (for the adjustment units) using piezoelectric sensors (possibly with temperature compensation), ◯ Measurement of electrical resistance at contact surfaces (between nozzle lip and a counter bearing / a bracket) ◯ electromagnetic sensors, ◯ Pressure sensor, ◯ Load cell, ◯ hydraulic pressure measuring system etc.

[0031] Additionally, the nozzle gap can be directly measured using ultrasound (e.g., by means of reflection at material interfaces). Measurement methods can be selected analogously to non-destructive material testing, e.g., of weld seams.

[0032] Knowing the force applied by the drive elements (always meaning one in each case) allows for a model-based inference about the actual nozzle exit gap.

[0033] For this purpose, a model for the nozzle exit gap, preferably nozzle-specific, can be determined. Various process points can be visited for this determination. At each process point, the respective force applied to the nozzle lip by the at least one or more drive elements can be recorded along with a nozzle exit gap measured, for example, manually and / or with sensors. In the simplest case, the current nozzle lip gap can be determined from the recorded data by interpolation. In a further embodiment, recorded data can be combined with other measured values.

[0034] The proposed actuator can be used for more advanced automation solutions. With the help of the proposed actuator, further conclusions can be drawn about the flow behavior of the melt.

[0035] The proposed actuator enables intelligent drive elements to provide feedback on the current actuator position. Combined with a model and / or additional sensors, this allows for valuable conclusions to be drawn about the current nozzle exit gap and thus the actual extension ratio.

[0036] Advantageously, the control device is designed to use the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements for production control, in order to obtain, for example, desired production parameters.

[0037] Desired production parameters may include: - a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap, - a desired profile of the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements, - a desired thickness profile of a film, etc.

[0038] The control device can receive a desired thickness profile of the film as an input variable and use operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements as control parameters.

[0039] In principle, operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements can be used as control parameters.

[0040] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine production parameters depending on the monitoring, in particular including: - Foil parameters, - Machine parameters and / or - Process parameters, optionally without measuring the thickness profile of a film.

[0041] In this way, an inherently intelligent control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a gap profile can be provided, preferably using or within the adjustment units.

[0042] It is recognized that, on the one hand, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap or a profile of the nozzle lip and / or a profile of operating parameters at the nozzle exit gap and, on the other hand, the material flow through the nozzle exit gap can influence each other.

[0043] For example, the gap profile of the nozzle exit gap can be adjusted to alter the material flow through the nozzle exit gap, thus producing a thicker or thinner film. In turn, the material flow can exert certain forces on the nozzle lips. A stronger material flow can cause the nozzle lips to bend outwards, while a weaker material flow can cause them to contract.

[0044] By recording the operating parameters within or on the drive elements, it is possible to dispense with measuring the film thickness, which takes place far after the nozzle exit gap.

[0045] The operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements are advantageously not only set but can also be monitored. The monitoring results can be used for control, in particular to enable self-contained control, especially regulation, of the nozzle exit gap profile or the melt exit thickness, preferably by means of or within the adjustment units.

[0046] Thus, at least with pre-centering or basic setting of the actuating elements, a cumbersome, lengthy and computationally intensive coordination between remote thickness measuring devices for measuring the film thickness and the control of the at least one or more drive elements can be avoided.

[0047] The acquisition of actual values ​​(mechanical, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., actual profile of the nozzle exit gap, actual profile for force, electrical current, electrical voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements, actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements) and the control of manipulated variables (electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: e.g., electrical (heating) current, electrical (heating) voltage, etc.) to a location, namely in or on adjustment units, preferably in or on the drive element(s).

[0048] Advantageously, the actual variables and the manipulated variables can differ. The actual variables can be, for example, mechanical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: the actual profile of the nozzle exit gap, the actual profile for force and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements, the actual profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., which vary depending on the force with which the melt acts on the nozzle lips. The manipulated variables can be, for example, electrical operating parameters, such as electrical (heating) current, electrical (heating) voltage, etc., of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0049] The proposed actuator enables timely feedback between actual values ​​and control variables, thus increasing control quality.

[0050] In principle, any production parameter can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular: - Foil parameters, - Machine parameters and / or - Process parameters.

[0051] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. a force profile, an electrical (heating) current profile, an electrical (heating) voltage and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., can serve as a control or regulation variable.

[0052] Thus, an improved positioning device is provided for a control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, which enables improved control, which delivers fast and precise results, which enables optimal positioning or adjustment of positioning elements or adjustment units in order to set a desired gap profile of the die exit gap and / or a desired profile of the die lip and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film.

[0053] As mentioned above, the control device can be configured to determine a model of the nozzle exit gap. Advantageously, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements can be accessed for this purpose. Preferably, specific operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g., electrical, thermal, and / or mechanical, can be applied at each process point. Preferably, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap can be recorded at each process point, whereby the gap profile can be acquired manually and / or by sensors.

[0054] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (electrical, thermal and / or mechanical) operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Preload force, especially at the nozzle lip and / or within the adjustment units, preferably: ◯ by ultrasound measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one ultrasonic sensor, e.g. using a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, e.g. within a force-applying element of the at least one or more drive elements, and / or ◯ by force and / or pressure measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one strain gauge, piezo sensor, pressure transducer and with a piston manometer, e.g. inside or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements, - electrical resistance, especially at contact surfaces between the nozzle lip and the adjustment units or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit, - Positioning profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements, in particular with respect to the nozzle lip, preferably: ◯ by position and / or displacement measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one linear motion sensor, one linear displacement transducer and / or one linear potentiometer, and / or ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ by inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor, - Gap profile of the nozzle outlet gap and / or profile of the nozzle lip, ◯ through optical, capacitive, inductive and / or ultrasound-based measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, e.g. using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, e.g. using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ through inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor, [Here, direct gap measurement and indirect measurement via the nozzle lip positions are conceivable. The nozzle lip positions can be detected, for example, via distance measurements (optical, ultrasonic, capacitive, inductive, etc.) or by feedback from an actuator (e.g., encoder). The nozzle lip gap can also be measured directly via ultrasonic measurement in the nozzle lip (similar to non-destructive component testing.] - Measurement of pressure conditions, especially within the extrusion plant and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant. - Temperature, especially within the extrusion plant, within a feed block of the extrusion plant and / or within the adjustment units, and / or - Vibrations, especially within the adjustment units, on a housing and / or a bearing of the adjustment units.

[0055] For example, if a pressure / force on the nozzle lip is monitored as an actual value, then a counter-pressure / counter-force from the material flow can provide feedback from the melt to the nozzle lip.

[0056] Such measurements enable flexible acquisition of actual values ​​for monitoring purposes. This allows for improved utilization of existing sensor equipment on the extrusion line. Furthermore, it enables flexible sensor design and / or positioning, adaptable to the specific conditions of different extrusion lines. This also facilitates flexible monitoring with various sensor configurations.

[0057] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements using at least one sensor (e.g., one specifically designed for this purpose). This enables targeted acquisition of actual values ​​for monitoring purposes.

[0058] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to monitor the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements: - to record the operating parameters as a function of time, and / or - To determine changes in operating parameters.

[0059] In this way, improved control can be achieved with enhanced control mechanisms and / or improved verification functions, which can also enable improved quality using simple hardware and computational means. For example, changes to operating parameters can be used to assess the quality and / or responsiveness of the control, in particular to avoid abrupt control actions, to ensure stability in the control process, to improve film quality characteristics, to prevent film tears, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to monitor the operating parameters of at least one or more drive elements: - To identify correlations between the operating parameters of individual drive elements, in particular using a machine learning method, preferably using a neural network and / or a mathematical model, and to take these into account during monitoring, For example, to set a desired thickness profile for the film, and / or - to adjust the operating parameters of individual drive elements to be more uniform and / or to a possible bending curve of the nozzle lip by appropriately controlling at least one or more drive elements.

[0061] In this way, enhanced control mechanisms (e.g., prevention of cross-interference, etc.) and / or improved functions (e.g., stable control, etc.) can be enabled during the control process. Correlations can be easily detected using a machine learning method, both in terms of hardware and computation. These correlations can provide insights into cross-interference between adjacent adjustment units and significantly improve control results. By standardizing the operating parameters of individual drive elements, stability during the control process can be ensured, allowing, for example, the quick and reliable setting of a desired nozzle exit gap profile and thus achieving improved results when setting a desired film thickness profile.

[0062] Advantageously, the control device can have a communication link to the drive elements and / or to associated sensors on the drive elements in order to obtain, query, and / or request the operating parameters of the one or more drive elements, and / or to control associated sensors on the drive elements to detect the operating parameters of the one or more drive elements. In this way, improved control can be achieved with short transmission paths, reduced latency, simplified calculations, and improved results.

[0063] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following foil parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Width, - Thickness, - Number of layers, - Material composition, - Shift distribution, - Layer thickness ratio, - Temperature distribution, especially in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction optionally using a temperature measurement of the film and / or using a model that, for example, maps the thickness profile of the film as a function of film parameters, machine parameters and / or process parameters, - Melting behavior, - Material properties, - Quality characteristics, - Layer breaks in the melt and / or film.

[0064] In this way, improved control with expanded objectives can be enabled, flexibly providing different desired slide parameters.

[0065] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following machine parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Motor parameters, e.g. of an extruder motor, - Motor speed, motor step count, e.g. of an extruder motor, - Motor speed, e.g. of an extruder motor, - Drive power, - Drive pressure, - Flow behavior within the nozzle exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion system, - Measurement of the clamping force of decklings, which are specifically designed to set a desired width of the film by blocking parts on both sides of the nozzle exit gap, - Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjustment units, - actual position of adjusting bolts, which are located particularly on the nozzle lip, to adjust the gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap, wherein preferably the adjusting bolts are coupled with associated drive elements that act mechanically on the adjusting bolts, - real nozzle lip gap, - Profile of the nozzle lip.

[0066] In this way, stable production with precisely controllable machine parameters can be achieved.

[0067] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine at least one of the following process parameters and / or its fluctuations, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements: - Move-out ratio, - Loss of contact of an adjusting bolt and / or a drive element, - Flow behavior, - Viscous elasticity of the melt and / or film, - Viscosity, - Melt pressure, - Thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the nozzle exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the nozzle exit gap and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant.

[0068] In this way, improved production with specifically controllable process parameters can be enabled.

[0069] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to adjust the control, in particular the actuation of the at least one or more drive elements, depending on the specific production parameters, in order to obtain the desired production parameters. In this way, flexible control can be enabled that can be directed at different control variables in the form of different production parameters.

[0070] Firstly, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual profile (or current gap profile) of the nozzle exit gap based on the monitoring of the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, whereby, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements are controlled by the control device in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle exit gap to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0071] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual profile for force, electrical current, electrical voltage, and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements, depending on the monitoring of their operating parameters. In particular, the control device could actuate the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile to a desired profile. Thus, monitoring can be carried out with regard to the desired profile of selected operating parameters.

[0072] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control device could be configured to determine an actual position profile of the at least one or more drive elements based on the monitoring of their operating parameters. In particular, the control device could actuate the at least one or more drive elements in such a way as to adapt the determined actual position profile to a desired position profile. Thus, monitoring can be carried out with regard to the desired position profile of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0073] Advantageously, a storage device can be provided to store the operating parameters of the one or more drive elements, particularly as a function of time, and / or to store specific production parameters and / or deviations between specific production parameters and desired production parameters as a function of the operating parameters. In this way, the results of the control can be observed and evaluated over time and used to adapt the control system. Thus, a learning control system that evolves over time can be provided.

[0074] The invention further provides for: A method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, a gap profile of a die exit gap of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant, wherein the die exit gap has a first and a second die lip for controlled adjustment of a gap profile of the die exit gap, wherein the method is carried out using an adjusting device which can be designed as described above. demonstrating the procedure: - Monitoring of operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements by the control device, in particular mechanical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably a preload force and / or position, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, preferably an electrical current, an electrical voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, etc., which are characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements on a corresponding, e.g., the first, nozzle lip.

[0075] The same advantages described above in connection with the actuating device can be achieved using this method. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0076] Advantageously, the procedure can also feature: - Using the operating parameters for production control, especially to obtain desired production parameters, - Determining production parameters, in particular including film parameters, machine parameters and / or process parameters, depending on monitoring by the control device, preferably without measuring the thickness profile of a film, and / or - Adjusting the control or actuation of the at least one or more drive elements by the control device in order to set a desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile of a film and / or to provide desired operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0077] The procedure can also advantageously feature: - Determining a model for the nozzle exit gap through the control device.

[0078] To determine the parameters, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements can be accessed. At each process point, specific (thermal, electrical, and / or mechanical) operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements can be applied. At each process point, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap can be recorded. The gap profile can be acquired manually and / or using sensors.

[0079] The method can be advantageously used at the start of production, particularly for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units. This allows for improved presetting results.

[0080] Furthermore, the method can be advantageously used in ongoing production, particularly for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units. In this way, improved results can be achieved during continuous production.

[0081] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Recording of operating parameters as a function of time by the control device and / or - Determining changes in operating parameters by the control device.

[0082] In this way, enhanced control mechanisms and / or improved verification functions can be enabled, which can also improve control quality with simple hardware and computational means. For example, changes to operating parameters can be used to assess the quality and / or responsiveness of the control, in particular to avoid abrupt control actions, to ensure stability in the control, to improve film quality properties, to prevent film tears, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Detecting correlations between the operating parameters of individual drive elements by the control device, in particular using a machine learning method, preferably using a neural network and / or a mathematical model.

[0084] Correlations can be easily detected using a machine learning method, both in terms of hardware and computation. These correlations can provide insights into cross-influences between adjacent adjustment units and significantly improve control results. This allows for the quick and easy detection of cross-influences between individual adjustment elements or units with minimal computational effort. Some adjustment element settings can have effects at adjacent locations, for example, through material displacement. If, for instance, an adjustment element is lowered to reduce the nozzle exit gap thickness at that point, more melt may exit at adjacent locations than would be expected based on the respective positions of the neighboring adjustment elements.It could then be counterproductive to lower the adjacent actuators to reduce the nozzle thickness at neighboring points. The reverse situation is also conceivable. If, for example, an actuator is raised to increase the nozzle thickness at that point, material might be displaced from neighboring areas towards that actuator. In that case, raising the adjacent actuators to increase the nozzle thickness at neighboring points could be counterproductive.

[0085] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Considering correlations between the operating parameters of individual drive elements during monitoring, for example to set a desired film thickness profile, - Comparison of the operating parameters of individual drive elements by means of appropriate control of at least one or more drive elements by the control device and / or - Adjusting the operating parameters of individual drive elements to a desired bending curve of the nozzle lip.

[0086] This allows for enhanced control mechanisms (e.g., prevention of cross-interference, etc.) and / or improved verification functions (e.g., stable control, etc.). By standardizing the operating parameters of individual drive elements, stability during monitoring can be ensured, enabling the desired nozzle exit gap profile to be set quickly and reliably.

[0087] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Adjusting the control and / or actuation of at least one or more drive elements, e.g. depending on the specific production parameters, in order to obtain desired production parameters.

[0088] In this way, flexible control can be enabled, which can be directed towards different control variables in the form of different production parameters.

[0089] In principle, any production parameter can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular: - Foil parameters, - Machine parameters and / or - Process parameters.

[0090] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip, a thickness profile of the film, a profile for operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, e.g. a force profile, an electrical (heating) current profile, an electrical (heating) voltage and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements, etc., can serve as a control or regulation variable.

[0091] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Storing the operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements, in particular as a function of time, and / or - Storing specific production parameters and / or deviations between specific production parameters and desired production parameters depending on, in particular, thermal, electrical and / or mechanical, operating parameters.

[0092] In this way, the results of monitoring and control can be observed and evaluated over time and used to develop the control system. This allows for the provision of a learning control system that evolves over time.

[0093] Firstly, the procedure can include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Determining the actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap, - Controlling at least one or more drive elements to adapt the detected actual profile of the nozzle exit gap to the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0094] This allows for the control of the desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap.

[0095] Secondly, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Determining an actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature of at least one or more drive elements, - Controlling at least one or more drive elements to adapt the detected actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature to a desired profile.

[0096] Thus, the control with regard to the profile of desired operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements can be carried out.

[0097] Clamping and / or releasing the deckling blades can also be achieved with a defined force. Furthermore, it might be advantageous for all adjustment units in the deckling blade area to exert the same force on the nozzle lip. By selectively extending and / or retracting the deckling blades, the nozzle lip could be cleaned (scratched) by the deckling blades.

[0098] Furthermore, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: - Determining an actual profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements, - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements to adapt the recorded actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements.

[0099] Thus, the control with regard to the desired profile can be carried out for positions of at least one or more drive elements.

[0100] The invention further provides for: A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the procedure that can proceed as described above. The same advantages described above in connection with the actuator and the procedure can be achieved with the computer program product. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0101] The invention further provides for: A computer-readable data carrier containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the procedure described above. The same advantages described above in connection with the actuator and the procedure can be achieved using this computer-readable data carrier. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0102] The invention also provides for: A control device comprising a storage unit in which a code is stored, and an arithmetic unit, wherein, upon execution of the code by the arithmetic unit, the procedure is executed which can proceed as described above. The same advantages can be achieved that were described above in connection with the actuator and the procedure. These advantages are fully referenced here.

[0103] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings schematically illustrate: Fig. 1 An exemplary adjusting device in a front view of a nozzle exit gap formed by a first and a second nozzle lip, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 an exemplary adjusting device in a sectional view through a nozzle, comprising a first and a second nozzle lip and Fig. 9 an exemplary sequence of a proposed procedure.

[0104] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

[0105] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 illustrates that an actuating device 100 is proposed for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, a gap profile SP of a nozzle exit gap 201 of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant 200, wherein the nozzle exit gap 201 is formed by a first and a second nozzle lip L1, L2.

[0106] The production plant is used to produce a film 101. The width direction B of the film 101 corresponds to the width direction of the nozzle exit gap 201. The length direction L of the film 101 corresponds to the production direction.

[0107] The positioning device 100 has, firstly, the following features: - a large number of adjustment units 10 (adjustment units can also be referred to as actuating elements) for adjusting the outlet thickness AD, as required by the Fig. 1 suggests.

[0108] The adjusting units 10 can act directly or indirectly (e.g., via corresponding adjusting bolts 11) on a corresponding nozzle lip L1, L2, e.g., on the first nozzle lip L1, as shown by the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 indicate.

[0109] The adjusting units 10 can have at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular in the form of thermocouples, electric motors, piezo drives, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc., as shown by the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 indicate.

[0110] The actuator 100 also features: - a control device 20 which is configured to control the at least one or the several drive elements 12 in such a way that the adjusting units 10 (directly or indirectly, e.g. via corresponding adjusting bolts 11 of the adjusting units 10) assume and / or hold predetermined positions, to, for example, set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or a desired profile of operating parameters BP at the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101, in particular, fundamentally different control objectives can be pursued using the invention.

[0111] The control device 20 is designed to - Operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular mechanical operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, e.g. a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements 12, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, e.g. an electrical current / an electrical voltage and / or a temperature , - to monitor a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, etc.

[0112] In other words, the control device 20 is designed to monitor such parameters as may be characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements 12 on the first nozzle lip L1.

[0113] The control can advantageously be carried out using drive elements 12, in particular in the form of thermocouples. Thermocouples can have corresponding expansion bolts. Thermocouples or corresponding expansion bolts can expand or contract by thermal mechanisms.

[0114] The positioning device 100 can be used in plastics processing to precisely control and adjust a thickness profile DP of cast, laminated, sheet and laminated films during the manufacturing process.

[0115] The at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular in the form of thermocouples, can implement the instructions / control commands of the control device 20. The control device 20 can collect monitoring data and make decisions about how the at least one or more drive elements 12 should be controlled, for example, to set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101 and / or to control a desired profile for the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12. The control device 20 can also function as an interface between sensors and drive elements 12.

[0116] The control is extended, in particular to include information about operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, especially mechanical operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, such as a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements 12, and / or electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, such as electrical current / electrical voltage and / or temperature, a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, etc.

[0117] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. As illustrated in section 9, monitoring can enable direct or indirect measurement of a force applied to the first nozzle lip L1, the so-called preload force. Furthermore, monitoring can also measure the deformation of a nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or the stress U within the nozzle exit gap 201.

[0118] Knowing the force applied by the drive elements 12 (always meaning one in each case) allows for an advantageous model-based conclusion to be drawn about a real gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201.

[0119] Using the adjusting device 100, a model for a real gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, preferably nozzle-specific, can be determined.

[0120] The proposed positioning device 100 can be used for further automation solutions to enable deeper conclusions about the flow behavior of the melt.

[0121] The proposed actuator 100 enables intelligent drive elements 12 to provide feedback on the current actuator value. In combination with a model and / or other sensors, valuable conclusions can be drawn about the current nozzle exit gap 201 and thus about the actual extension ratio.

[0122] Furthermore, the control device 20 can be configured to determine production parameters PP depending on the monitoring, e.g., including: - Foil parameters FP, - Machine parameters MP and / or - Procedure parameters VP, optionally without measuring the thickness profile DP of a film 101.

[0123] Advantageously, the control device 20 can be configured to adjust the control, in particular the actuation of the at least one or more drive elements 12, depending on the specific production parameters PP, in such a way as to obtain the desired production parameters PP*. In this way, a self-contained or autonomous control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a gap profile SP can be provided by means of or within the adjustment units 10, which preferably eliminates the need for separate and spaced measuring devices for measuring film thickness FD.

[0124] In this way, a self-contained or autonomous control, in particular a control and / or regulation, of a gap profile SP can be provided using or within the adjustment units 10, which preferably eliminates the need for separate and spaced measuring devices for measuring foil thickness FD.

[0125] The gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and the material flow through the nozzle exit gap 201 can influence each other. The gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 is generally adjusted to modify the material flow through the nozzle exit gap 201, thus producing a thicker or thinner film 101. In turn, the material flow can exert certain forces on the nozzle lips L1, L2. A stronger material flow can cause the nozzle lips L1, L2 to bend upwards. A weaker material flow can cause the nozzle lips L1, L2 to contract.

[0126] The control device 20 is advantageously designed not only to set but also to monitor the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12. The results of the monitoring can be used for control purposes.

[0127] The actuating device 100 enables the acquisition of actual values ​​(mechanical, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: e.g., actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201, actual profile for force, electrical current / voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements 12, actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, etc.) and the control of manipulated variables (electrical operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements 12: e.g., electrical (heating) current I, (heating) voltage U, etc.) to a location, namely in or on adjustment units 10, preferably in or on the drive element(s) 12.

[0128] The proposed actuator 100 enables timely feedback between the actual values ​​and the control variables, which can increase the quality of control.

[0129] In principle, any production parameter PP can serve as a control variable or regulated variable, in particular including: - Foil parameters FP, - Machine parameters MP and / or - Procedure parameters VP.

[0130] Preferred examples of control variables or regulated variables include: - a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, - a thickness profile DP of film 101, - a profile for operating parameters BP of at least one or more drive elements 12, - a force profile, electrical current profile, electrical voltage profile and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12, - a profile for positions of at least one or more drive elements 12 etc.

[0131] Advantageously, the control device 20 can be configured to determine a model for the nozzle exit gap 201. For this purpose, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements 12 can be approached. At each process point, specific operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, e.g., mechanical, thermal, and / or electrical, can be approached. Preferably, a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 can be recorded at each process point, whereby the gap profile SP can be acquired manually and / or by sensors.

[0132] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 3, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Preload force, especially at the first nozzle lip L1 and / or within the adjustment units 10, preferably: ◯ by ultrasound measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one ultrasonic sensor SU, e.g. using a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, e.g. within a force-applying element of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0133] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or electrical (heating) voltage U.

[0134] A dashed arrow from the ultrasonic sensor SU to the control device 20 indicates that the ultrasonic sensor SU sends sensor signals to the control device 20.

[0135] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 4, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Preload force, especially at the first nozzle lip L1 and / or within the adjustment units 10, preferably: ◯ by measuring force and / or pressure, e.g. with at least (or each) one corresponding sensor SK: e.g. B. a strain gauge, piezo sensor, a pressure transducer and with a piston manometer e.g. within or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0136] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or electrical (heating) voltage U.

[0137] A dashed arrow from sensor SK to control device 20 indicates that sensor SK sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0138] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 5, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - electrical resistance, especially at contact surfaces between the first nozzle lip L1 and the adjustment units 10 or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit 10.

[0139] A corresponding sensor SW can be designed as an electrical resistance meter.

[0140] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or electrical (heating) voltage U.

[0141] A dashed arrow from sensor SW to control device 20 indicates that sensor SW sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0142] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 6, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Positioning profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements 12, especially with regard to the first nozzle lip L1, preferably: ◯ by position and / or distance measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one corresponding sensor SL: e.g. B. a linear motion sensor, a linear displacement sensor and / or a linear potentiometer.

[0143] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or electrical (heating) voltage U.

[0144] A dashed arrow from sensor SL to control device 20 indicates that sensor SL sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0145] As it is Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Positioning profile for the positions of at least one or more drive elements 12, especially with regard to the first nozzle lip L1, preferably: ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one corresponding sensor SO: e.g. B. a camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ by inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor SI.

[0146] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or electrical (heating) voltage U.

[0147] A dashed arrow from sensor SO / SI to control device 20 indicates that sensor SO / SI sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0148] As it is Fig. As illustrated in section 8, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor at least one of the following (mechanical, electrical and / or thermal) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - Gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, ◯ through optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one corresponding sensor SO: e.g. B. a camera, e.g. using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, e.g. using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ by inductive measurements, e.g. with at least one inductive sensor SI,

[0149] A dashed double arrow indicates the control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. by means of electrical (heating) current I and / or electrical (heating) voltage U.

[0150] A dashed arrow from sensor SO / SI to control device 20 indicates that sensor SO / SI sends sensor signals to control device 20.

[0151] Not shown in the figures (solely for the sake of simplicity), but conceivable in the context of the invention are the following measurements: - Measurement of pressure conditions, especially within the extrusion plant and / or a feed block of the Extrusion plant. - Temperature, especially within the extrusion plant, within a feed block of the extrusion plant and / or within the adjustment units 10, and / or - Vibrations, especially within the adjustment units 10, on a housing and / or a bearing of the adjustment units 10.

[0152] As it is Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, 12 special sensors SU, SK, SW, SL, SO, SI can be provided to monitor the operating parameters BP of at least one or more drive elements.

[0153] In principle, the control device 20 can have a communication link to the drive elements 12 and / or to associated sensors on the drive elements 12 in order to obtain, query and / or request the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, and / or to control associated sensors on the drive elements 12 to detect the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0154] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 indicate that the control device 20 can monitor the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - capture the operating parameters BP as a function f of time t and / or - Determine changes to the operating parameters BP.

[0155] The changes in the operating parameters BP as a function f of time t, e.g., of the first degree (how quickly the parameters change) and / or the second degree (with what acceleration or how abruptly the parameters change), can be used to assess the quality and / or responsiveness of the control, in particular to avoid abrupt changes, to ensure stable control, to improve the quality characteristics of film 101, to avoid film tears, etc.

[0156] Furthermore, the control device 20 can be configured to monitor the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12: - To identify correlations between the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12, in particular using a machine learning AI method, preferably using a neural network KNN and / or a mathematical model, and to take these into account during control, to, for example, set a desired thickness profile DP* of film 101, and / or - to adjust the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 by appropriately controlling at least one or more drive elements 12 to be uniform and / or to a possible bending curve of the first nozzle lip L1.

[0157] Correlations can be easily detected using hardware and computational methods, specifically AI machine learning. These correlations can provide insights into cross-influences between adjacent adjustment units 10. By standardizing the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12, stable control can be ensured.

[0158] As it is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicate that, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following foil parameters FP and / or its fluctuations can be determined: - Width, - Thickness, - Number of layers, - Material composition, - Shift distribution, - Layer thickness ratio, - Temperature distribution, especially in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction optionally using a temperature measurement of film 101 and / or using a model which, for example, maps the thickness profile DP of film 101 as a function of film parameters FP, machine parameters MP and / or process parameters VP, - Melting behavior, - Material properties, - Quality characteristics, - Layer breaks in the melt and / or foil 101.

[0159] As it is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicate that, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following machine parameters MP and / or its fluctuations can be determined: - Engine parameters, - Motor speed, motor step count, - Engine speed, - Drive power, - Drive pressure, - Flow behavior within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion system, - Measurement of the clamping force of decklings, which are specifically designed to set a desired width of the film 101 by blocking parts on both sides of the nozzle exit gap 201, - Determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjustment units 10, - actual position of adjusting bolts 11, which are located in particular on the first nozzle lip L1 to adjust the gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, wherein preferably the adjusting bolts 11 are coupled with associated drive elements 12 which act mechanically on the adjusting bolts 11, - real nozzle lip gap.

[0160] As it is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicate that, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, at least one of the following process parameters VP and / or its fluctuations can be determined: - Move-out ratio, - Loss of contact of an adjusting bolt 11 and / or a drive element 12, - Flow behavior, - Viscose elasticity of the melt and / or film 101, - Viscosity, - Melt pressure, - Thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant.

[0161] Firstly, it is conceivable that the control device 20 could be configured to determine an actual profile or current gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201 to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201.

[0162] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the control device 20 could be configured to determine an actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage, and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements 12, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage, and / or temperature to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12. Thus, monitoring can be carried out with regard to the desired profile of selected operating parameters of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0163] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control device 20 can be configured to determine an actual profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, wherein, in particular, the at least one or more drive elements 12 are controlled by the control device 20 in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for positions to a desired profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12. Thus, the control can be carried out with regard to the desired profile for the positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0164] As it is Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As indicated in Figure 8, a storage device 30 can be provided to store the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular as a function f of time t, and / or to store certain production parameters PP and / or deviations between certain production parameters PP and desired production parameters PP* as a function of the operating parameters BP. In this way, the results of the control can be observed and evaluated over a period of time and used for adjusting the control. Thus, a learning control system that evolves over time t can be provided.

[0165] The invention further provides a corresponding method, namely: a method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, a gap profile SP of a nozzle exit gap 201 of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant 200, wherein the nozzle exit gap 201 has a first and a second nozzle lip L1, L2 for controlled adjustment of a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201, wherein the method is carried out using an adjusting device 100, which can be designed as described above.

[0166] As it is Fig. As indicated in point 9, the procedure is as follows: 110 Monitoring of operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, in particular of mechanical operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, preferably a preload force and / or position, of electrical and / or thermal operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, preferably an electric current, an electric voltage and / or temperature, of a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or of a profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2, which are characteristic for the action of the at least one or more drive elements 12 on the first nozzle lip L1.

[0167] Advantageously, the procedure can also feature: 120 Using the operating parameters BP for production control, e.g., including: determining production parameters PP, in particular including film parameters FP, machine parameters MP and / or process parameters VP, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters BP by the control device 20.

[0168] The method can be used advantageously at the start of production, in particular for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units 10.

[0169] The method can also be used advantageously in ongoing production, in particular for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units 10.

[0170] As it is Fig. As indicated in section 9, the procedure may also include, for example in step 110: - Acquisition of operating parameters BP as a function of time t by the control device 20, and / or - Determining changes df / dt of the operating parameters BP by the control device 20.

[0171] This allows for enhanced control mechanisms and / or improved verification functions.

[0172] As it is Fig. As indicated in section 9, the procedure may include at least one of the following procedural steps: 130 Adjusting the control or actuation of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, e.g. depending on the specific production parameters PP, to obtain, in particular, desired production parameters PP*, preferably to set a desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip L1, L2 and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile DP* of a film 101 and / or to provide desired operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0173] In this way, flexible control can be enabled, which can be directed at different control variables in the form of different production parameters PP, e.g.: - Foil parameters FP, - Machine parameters MP and / or - Procedure parameters VP.

[0174] Advantageously, a gap profile of the nozzle exit gap and / or a profile of the nozzle lip l1, L2, a thickness profile of the film 101, a profile for operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, e.g. a force profile, an electrical (heating) current profile, an electrical (heating) voltage and / or temperature profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12, and / or a profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, etc., can serve as a control or control variable.

[0175] As it is Fig. As indicated in section 9, the procedure may also include, for example in step 110: - Detection of correlations between the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 by the control device 20, in particular using a machine learning AI method, preferably using a neural network KNN and / or a mathematical model.

[0176] Correlations can be easily detected using a machine learning AI method, both in terms of hardware and computation. These correlations can provide insights into cross-influences between adjacent adjustment units 10 and improve control. This allows cross-influences between individual adjustment units 10 to be detected quickly and easily with minimal computational effort. Some settings of adjustment units 10 can have effects on neighboring adjustment units 10, for example, through material displacement.

[0177] For example, if an adjustment unit 10 is lowered to reduce the outlet thickness AD from the nozzle outlet gap 201 at that point, it can happen that more melt emerges at adjacent points to this adjustment unit 10 than would be expected from the respective positions of the adjacent adjustment units 10. In that case, lowering the adjacent adjustment units 10 to reduce the outlet thickness AD at those points could be counterproductive.

[0178] A reverse situation is also conceivable. If, for example, an adjustment unit 10 is raised to increase the outlet thickness AD from the nozzle outlet gap 201 at that point, then material from the adjacent areas may be displaced towards this adjustment unit 10. In that case, it could be counterproductive to raise the adjacent adjustment units 10 to increase the outlet thickness AD at neighboring points.

[0179] Furthermore, the Fig. 9 indicates that the procedure, e.g. in step 130 or during the check, may include at least one of the following procedural steps: 131 Considering correlations between the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 during control, for example to set a desired thickness profile DP* of the foil 101, 132 Comparison of the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 by means of a corresponding control of the at least one or more drive elements 12 by the control device 20, and / or 133 Adapting the operating parameters BP of individual drive elements 12 to a desired bending curve of the first nozzle lip L1.

[0180] In this way, enhanced control mechanisms (e.g., prevention of cross-influences, etc.) and / or improved verification functions (e.g., stable control, etc.) can be enabled.

[0181] Furthermore, the Fig. 9 indicates that the procedure, for example in or after step 130, may include at least one of the following procedure steps: 134 Storing the operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12, in particular as a function f of time t, and / or 135 Storing specific production parameters PP and / or deviations between specific production parameters PP and desired production parameters PP* depending on, in particular, electrical, thermal and / or mechanical, operating parameters BP.

[0182] In this way, the results of monitoring and control over time t can be observed, evaluated, and used for the development of the control system. Thus, a learning control system that evolves over time t can be provided.

[0183] The check in step 130 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle exit gap 201 (variant 1): 120.1 Determining an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap 201, 130.1 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the detected actual profile or the current gap profile SP of the nozzle outlet gap 201 to the desired gap profile SP* of the nozzle outlet gap 201.

[0184] The check in step 130 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired force profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12 (variant 2): 120.2 Determining an actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements 12, 130.2 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the detected actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0185] The check in step 130 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12 (variant 3): 120.3 Determining an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12, 130.3 Controlling the at least one or more drive elements 12 to adapt the recorded actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements 12.

[0186] The procedure can also advantageously feature: 140 Determining a model for the nozzle exit gap 201 by the control device 20.

[0187] For the purpose of determination, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements 12 can be accessed. At each process point, specific (electrical, thermal and / or mechanical) operating parameters BP of the at least one or more drive elements 12 can be applied. At each process point, a gap profile SP of the nozzle exit gap 201 can be recorded. The gap profile SP can be acquired manually and / or by sensors.

[0188] As mentioned above, different control objectives or regulation objectives can be prioritized using the actuator 100 and the method.

[0189] A corresponding computer program product and a corresponding data carrier with a corresponding computer program product also represent aspects of the invention.

[0190] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Reference symbol list 100 Actuating device Slide 101 10 Adjustment unit, actuating element 11 adjusting bolts 12 Drive element 20 Control device 200 film extrusion plant 201 Nozzle outlet gap L1 first nozzle lip L2 second nozzle lip AD Exit thickness of a melt FD film thickness SP gap profile of the nozzle exit gap SP* desired gap profile of the nozzle exit gap DP film thickness profile DP* desired thickness profile of the film BP operating parameters PP production parameters PP* desired production parameters FP film parameters MP machine parameters VP process parameters f function t time I el. Strom U el. voltage SU Sensor SK Sensor SW Sensor SL Sensor SO Sensor SI Sensor AI methods for machine learning KNN neural network

Claims

Actuating device (100) for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), comprising: - a plurality of adjusting units (10) for adjusting the exit thickness (AD), wherein the adjusting units (10) act on a die lip (L1, L2), wherein the adjusting units (10) comprise at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular in the form of thermocouples, electric motors, piezoelectric drives, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives, etc., - a control device (20) configured to actuate the at least one or more drive elements (12) such that the adjusting units (10) assume and / or maintain predetermined positions, wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12).in particular, to monitor mechanical operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably a preload force and / or position of the at least one or more drive elements (12), electrical and / or thermal operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably an electric current and / or an electric voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2) that are characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements (12) on the nozzle lip (L1, L2). Actuating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine production parameters (PP), in particular comprising: film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), depending on the monitoring, optionally without measuring the thickness profile (DP) of a film (101), and / or wherein the control device (20) is configured to adjust the control of the at least one or more drive elements (12) in such a way as to set a desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2) and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile (DP*) of a film (101) and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine a model for the nozzle exit gap (201), wherein, in particular, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements (12) can be approached for determination, wherein preferably in each process point certain, in particular mechanical, thermal and / or electrical, operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) are applied, wherein preferably in each process point a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) is recorded, wherein the gap profile (SP) can be detected manually and / or by sensors. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to monitor at least one of the following operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): - Preload force, in particular at the nozzle lip (L1, L2) and / or within the adjusting units (10), preferably: ◯ by ultrasonic measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one ultrasonic sensor (SU), e.g. by means of a time-of-flight measurement of an ultrasound, e.g. within a force-applying element of the at least one or more drive elements (12), and / or ◯ by force and / or pressure measurement, e.g. with at least (or each) one strain gauge, piezo sensor, pressure transducer and with a piston manometer, e.g.within or on a surface of a counter bearing of the at least one or more drive elements (12), - electrical resistance, in particular at contact surfaces between the nozzle lip (L1, L2) and the adjustment units (10) or at two contact surfaces within the adjustment unit (10), - positioning profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular with respect to the nozzle lip (L1, L2), preferably: ◯ by position and / or displacement measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one linear motion sensor, one linear displacement transducer and / or one linear potentiometer, and / or ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, preferably using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, preferably using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ by inductive measurements, e.g.with at least (or each) one inductive sensor (SI), - gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) and / or a profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2), ◯ by optical measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one camera, e.g. using a triangulation method, and / or a laser, e.g. using electro-optical distance measurement, and / or ◯ by inductive measurements, e.g. with at least (or each) one inductive sensor (SI), - measurement of pressure conditions, in particular within the extrusion system and / or a feed block of the extrusion system. - temperature, in particular within the extrusion system, within a feed block of the extrusion system and / or within the adjustment units (10), and / or - vibrations, in particular within the adjustment units (10), on a housing and / or a bearing of the adjustment units (10). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) using at least one sensor. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to: - detect the operating parameters (BP) as a function (f) of time (t) when monitoring the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), and / or - determine changes in the operating parameters (BP). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to: - detect correlations between the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12), in particular using a machine learning (AI) method, preferably using a neural network (ANN) and / or a mathematical model, and to take these into account during monitoring in order to, for example, set a desired thickness profile (DP*) of the film (101), and / or - equalize the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) by appropriately controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) and / or adapt them to a possible bending line of the nozzle lip (L1, L2). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) has a communication link to the drive elements (12) and / or to associated sensors on the drive elements (12) in order to obtain, query and / or request the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), and / or to control associated sensors on the drive elements (12) to detect the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine at least one of the following film parameters (FP) and / or its fluctuations depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): - width, - thickness, - number of layers, - material composition, - layer distribution, - layer thickness ratio, - temperature distribution, in particular in a transverse direction and / or in a production direction, optionally by means of a temperature measurement of the film (101) and / or by means of a model which, for example, maps the thickness profile (DP) of the film (101) depending on film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), - melting behavior, - material properties, - quality properties, - layer delamination in the melt and / or film (101). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine, depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), at least one of the following machine parameters (MP) and / or its fluctuations: - motor parameters, - motor speed, motor step count, - motor velocity, - drive power, - drive pressure, - flow behavior within the die exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion system, - measurement of the clamping force of coverlings, which are designed in particular to set a desired width of the film (101) by blocking parts on both sides of the die exit gap (201), - determination of minimum and / or maximum positions of the adjusting units (10), - actual position of adjusting bolts (11), which in particular bear against the die lip (L1, L2),to adjust the gap profile (SP) of the nozzle outlet gap (201), wherein preferably the adjusting bolts (11) are coupled with associated drive elements (12) which act mechanically on the adjusting bolts (11) - actual nozzle lip gap. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine at least one of the following process parameters (VP) and / or its fluctuations depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12): - pull-out ratio, - loss of contact of an adjusting bolt (11) and / or a drive element (12), - flow behavior, - viscous elasticity of the melt and / or film (101), - viscosity, - melt pressure, - thickness variations, e.g. caused by temperature fluctuations within the die exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant, in particular by detection of pressure fluctuations in the melt pressure within the die exit gap (201) and / or a feed block of the extrusion plant. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to adjust the control of the at least one or more drive elements (12) depending on the specific production parameters (PP) in order to obtain desired production parameters (PP*). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201) to the desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle outlet gap (201). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements (12) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature to a desired profile. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to determine an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12) depending on the monitoring of the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), wherein in particular the at least one or more drive elements (12) are controlled by the control device (20) in such a way as to adapt the determined actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a storage device (30) is provided to store the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular as a function (f) of time (t), and / or to store certain production parameters (PP) and / or deviations between certain production parameters (PP) and desired production parameters (PP*) depending on the operating parameters (BP). Method for controlling, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the production of an extrusion plant, preferably a film extrusion plant (200), wherein the method is carried out using an actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: - monitoring operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular mechanical operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), preferably a preload force and / or position, electrical and / or thermal operating parameters (BP) of the drive elements (12), preferably an electric current, an electric voltage and / or a temperature, a gap profile (SP) of the die exit gap (201) and / or a profile of the die lip (L1, L2) by the control device (20),which are characteristic of the action of the at least one or more drive elements (12) on the nozzle lip (L1, L2). A method according to the preceding claim, further comprising: - using the operating parameters (BP) for production control, in particular to obtain desired production parameters (PP*), - determining production parameters (PP), in particular comprising film parameters (FP), machine parameters (MP) and / or process parameters (VP), depending on monitoring by the control device (20), optionally without measuring the thickness profile (DP) of a film (101), and / or - adjusting the control or actuation of the at least one or more drive elements (12) by the control device (20) to set a desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle exit gap and / or a desired profile of the nozzle lip (L1, L2) and / or to achieve a desired thickness profile (DP*) of a film (101) and / or to provide a desired profile for operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Determining a model for the nozzle exit gap (201) by the control device (20), wherein, in particular, various process points of the at least one or more drive elements (12) can be approached for determination, wherein preferably certain operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12) are applied in each process point, wherein preferably a gap profile (SP) of the nozzle exit gap (201) is recorded in each process point, wherein the gap profile (SP) can be detected manually and / or by sensors. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is used at the start of production, in particular for the controlled presetting of the adjustment units (10), and / or wherein the method is used during ongoing production, in particular for the controlled adjustment of the adjustment units (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - capturing operating parameters (BP) as a function (f) of time (t) by the control device (20) and / or - determining changes in the operating parameters (BP) by the control device (20). A method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - detecting correlations between the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) by the control device (20), in particular using a machine learning (AI) method, preferably using a neural network (ANN) and / or a mathematical model, - taking into account correlations between the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) during control, for example to set a desired thickness profile (DP*) of the film (101), - equalizing the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) by appropriately controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) by the control device (20) and / or - adapting the operating parameters (BP) of individual drive elements (12) to a desired bending curve of the nozzle lip (L1, L2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) depending on the determined production parameters (PP) in order to obtain desired production parameters (PP*). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - storing the operating parameters (BP) of the at least one or more drive elements (12), in particular as a function (f) of time (t), and / or - storing certain production parameters (PP) and / or deviations between certain production parameters (PP) and desired production parameters (PP*) depending on, in particular electrical, thermal and / or mechanical, operating parameters (BP). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Determining an actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201), - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) to adapt the detected actual profile of the nozzle outlet gap (201) to the desired gap profile (SP*) of the nozzle outlet gap (201). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Determining an actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature of the at least one or more drive elements (12), - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) in order to adapt the detected actual profile for force, electric current, electric voltage and / or temperature to a desired profile of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Determining an actual profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12), - Controlling the at least one or more drive elements (12) in order to adapt the detected actual profile for positions to a desired profile for positions of the at least one or more drive elements (12). Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause it to perform the method according to one of the preceding method claims. A computer-readable data carrier in which instructions are stored which, when executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the method according to one of the preceding method claims. Control device (20) comprising a storage unit in which a code is stored and a computing unit, wherein when the code is executed by the computing unit, the method according to one of the preceding method claims is carried out.

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